About this trip idea

Outdoor enthusiast’s paradiseBe one with nature. The Visit French Lick/West Baden area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with the Hoosier National Forest in its backyard. The National Forest spans from Bedford south to Tell City for a total of 200,000 acres. There are about 266 miles of trails, with a little over 200 miles designated for horseback riding and about 175 miles for biking. Located about 20 minutes south of French Lick, on the edge of the National Forest, is Patoka Lake. Indiana’s second-largest lake offers clean, open water and quiet coves for fishing, swimming and boating. Take the lake tour or rent a pontoon boat for a lazy day of water fun. Avoid the daunting task of leaving the water behind: stay right on Patoka Lake in Indiana’s only floating cabins at the Patoka Lake Marina!

In for some adventure? Head to Wilstem Ranch, the perfect location to take the entire family on an outdoor adventure whether it's ziplining, horseback riding, side-by-side ATV tours or much more.

Scenic trip down the railwayThe French Lick Scenic Railway is the ultimate destination for train enthusiasts of all ages! With opportunities abound, there is always a special event that will appeal to all personalities.

Write your own chapter to this 100+-year-old storyDriving through the hills of southern Indiana, you might not expect to come upon the grandest of grand hotels. But you do. Two of them, in fact! The French Lick Resort—named the Best Historic Resort in America—draws you into the elegance of a bygone era. And even though the elegance borders on jaw-dropping, you will feel welcome to come as you are to enjoy golf, entertainment, spa treatments, fine dining, casino fun, horseback riding and more.

Travelers have been visiting the French Lick area for well over 100 years. Initially drawn for the healing magic of the restorative mineral springs, guests then stayed on for the atmosphere and service. Today, the Resort’s two luxury hotels, French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel, have been fully restored to the luxury of yesteryear and more. Both transport guests to the glamour of the early 1900s with their restored original mosaic, marble floors and elaborately decorated ceilings. French Lick offers boutique shops, a variety of restaurants, bowling alley, fitness center, pools and luxury spa. West Baden, a National Historic Landmark, will “wow” you with its one-of-a-kind domed atrium spanning 200 feet! Once known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," West Baden offers many of the same amenities as its sister hotel and even more luxurious accommodations.

The Resort also offers three golf courses—The Pete Dye, The Donald Ross and The Valley Links with golf learning center—plus, a casino with 51,000 square feet of Vegas-style gaming, riding stables and free shuttle service throughout the complex.

Trend-setting local dining = deliciousIn 1917, French Lick Springs chef, Louis Perrin, discovered he was out of orange juice for breakfast. Thinking creatively, he squeezed plump, red tomatoes instead, becoming the first to serve tomato juice. Dining today is still unique, local and fantastic. Whether you’re looking for an elegant dinner, casual dining or a place to share a cocktail (Bloody Mary, anyone?), the Resort has you covered. But there are plenty of off-site dining options available, too. Within a short drive you’ll find French Lick Winery. Sample their award-winning wines, enjoy lunch or dinner on the patio and browse their gift shop.